Politicians need to learn how artificial intelligence (AI) works – fast. This was the underlying sentiment at a US Senate hearing this week, where lawmakers questioned the impact of AI on the jobs and economy. OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, proposed a federal agency to oversee the development of AI, while other experts argued the potential of the technology should not be crushed by a cumbersome bureaucracy.
Missy Cummings, an expert on automation and Robotics professor at George Mason University, argues that the discussion should shift toward education and awareness. Cummings, a former aircraft pilot, studied AI and automation in safety-critical systems such as cars and airplanes. Her experience leading the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives her an invaluable perspective in addressing the hype and potential risks of AI.
Cummings says that AI systems are nowhere near as capable as people think, and she’s especially concerned about autonomous driving technology. Tesla’s Autopilot and other driverless projects have received a lot of attention with big investments in research and deployment, but there are still unresolved problems with the technology.
The same is true for large language models like ChatGPT, which answer questions and solve problems – albeit with errors and limitations that have yet to be addressed. The same goes for generative AI tools. In light of this, lawmakers have emphasized the need for regulation to avoid unethical or harmful applications of AI.
Altman proposed that companies like OpenAI which develop AI solutions should be subject to a licensing system. It’s evident that AI presents risks and rewards that need to be balanced. Education and understanding of AI is the only way to make sure it is used optimally.
OpenAI is a research and technology company dedicated to the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Through groundbreaking research, OpenAI strives to further develop and democratize AI, making the benefits of intelligent systems accessible to all. OpenAI works with governments, businesses, and the public towards the common good.
Missy Cummings is a professor at George Mason University, specializing in automation and robotics. Cummings is a former aircraft pilot, with a deep understanding of the potential risks and rewards of AI. She has also had experience leading the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has overseen Tesla’s Autopilot and other autonomous systems. With both research and practical experience, Cummings is a valuable source of information and insight for politicians and policymakers who are trying to weigh the potential and risks of AI.
